Fort Worth, Texas Intoxication Assault Lawyer

Trusted Intoxication Assault Defense Attorney for Clients in Fort Worth, TX

When a DWI accident results in someone else getting hurt, the legal stakes become much higher for the defendant. A conviction of this offense could mean significant jail time and a permanent black mark on your criminal record, which can impact employment, housing, and approval for loans. If you have been charged with this crime, be sure to seek out a Fort Worth, Texas intoxication assault defense attorney.

If you are looking for an experienced lawyer to handle your case, The Meza Law Firm, PLLC is ready to defend you. Attorney Edwardo Meza has over a decade of legal experience, having represented numerous people in criminal defense cases. As a solo practitioner, he provides personalized, aggressive representation to every client he works with.

What Is Intoxication Assault?

Intoxication assault is a serious criminal charge in Texas that applies when a person causes serious bodily injury to another while operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride while intoxicated. Unlike a standard DWI, this offense focuses on the harm caused, not merely the act of driving after drinking or using drugs.

"Intoxicated" does not require proof of a specific alcohol level. Prosecutors may argue that a driver lacked the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of substances. If the state claims that intoxication was the reason another person suffered a serious injury, the charge can escalate quickly.

Since intoxication assault involves direct harm to another person, these cases often carry high stakes. Law enforcement may conduct an aggressive investigation from the outset, gathering blood samples, accident reconstructions, and witness statements to support the allegation.

What Are the Penalties for Intoxication Assault in Texas?

Intoxication assault is charged as a felony offense, and a conviction carries severe criminal penalties. In most cases, the offense is treated as a third-degree felony. A conviction at this level can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 10 years, along with fines of up to $10,000. The court may also impose a lengthy driver's license suspension and require participation in substance abuse education or treatment programs.

Penalties can increase when aggravating factors are present. If the person who suffered serious bodily injury was a first responder acting in the line of duty, the charge may be elevated to a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony conviction exposes a defendant to between two and 20 years in prison, in addition to fines of up to $10,000.

Collateral consequences can be just as damaging as the direct penalties. A felony conviction can affect future employment, professional licenses, housing opportunities, and the ability to possess firearms. For many people, the long-term impact of an intoxication assault conviction extends far beyond any sentence imposed by the court.

Fighting a Charge of Intoxication Assault in Tarrant County

One of the most critical issues in an intoxication assault case is causation. The prosecution must show that the injury occurred by reason of the alleged intoxication. If the accident would have happened regardless of alcohol or drug use, that element may be challenged.

Another common defense involves disputing whether the defendant was intoxicated at all. Field sobriety tests, blood draws, and officer observations are not always reliable. Testing procedures, timing, and chain of custody issues can all affect the strength of the state's evidence.

Other defense strategies may include questioning the accuracy of accident reconstruction, identifying intervening causes such as road conditions or another driver's actions, or exposing flaws in how law enforcement conducted the investigation. Each case requires a careful review of the facts, not assumptions based on the seriousness of the charge alone.

Contact a Fort Worth Intoxication Assault Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing an intoxication assault charge, early legal guidance matters. These cases often involve complex evidence and aggressive prosecution, making it critical to act quickly.

Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, TX intoxication assault defense attorney to set up a free consultation with The Meza Law Firm, PLLC. Our firm can review the allegations, explain your options, and begin building a strategy focused on protecting your freedom and future.